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Arsenal line up shock Man Utd raid for £40m ace as back-up option to top target

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen on Manchester United winger Anthony Martial as an alternative to Kylian Mbappe this summer.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a memorable first season at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, scoring 18 goals and providing 11 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions as he emerged as one of United’s top players.

However, it didn’t quite go to plan under Jose Mourinho last year, where he managed just eight goals and eight assists in 42 outings, with his lack of regular playing time undoubtedly having a negative impact.

According to The Daily Mail, Wenger is ready to bid £40m to prise the French international away from their Premier League rivals, but it’s added that given the animosity between him and Mourinho, it’s unlikely that a deal will be done to send such a top talent to the Emirates.

It’s claimed that Arsenal will request that negotiations be kept in the boardroom so as to avoid the situation becoming personal between the two managers, while the fact that United will likely have to sell this summer too to at least balance the books slightly given their expected heavy spending, it could yet to lead to a deal being done.

Nevertheless, it’s no secret that Arsenal want Monaco starlet Mbappe, as the 18-year-old made a huge impression last season for the Ligue 1 champions to establish himself as the most sought-after youngster in Europe.

The problem for Arsenal remains his £100m price-tag, as although Wenger is adamant that the Frenchman can be the next major star in north London, it’s difficult to see them pulling off that kind of deal financially, as well as the fact that they can’t offer Champions League football unlike other interested parties such as Real Madrid.

Martial would be a very decent alternative, but it remains to be seen whether or not United would be willing to talk with rivals Arsenal.